1 Disease is a change in your animal which can cause:
- lower production
- death
- you to lose money.

2 There are diseases caused by:
- micro-organisms
- parasites
- body and feed problems.

3 There are several important conditions/diseases you should know about.
 

Husbandry Unit 10.1: 

Technical Notes

Note: Numbers in brackets refer to illustrations in the Extension Materials.

Disease is broadly defined as an alteration (or a disturbance) in the structure or function of any organ or part of the body.  Diseases reduce the productivity of animals and may even result in their death.  Thus there will be losses from the farming enterprise. (4-13)

Some important diseases affecting dairy cattle and buffalo in the region are:

Bacteria:  Anthrax, Black Quarter, Brucellosis, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Johne's Disease, Mastitis, Tuberculosis

Viral:  Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest 

Parasitic: These are of several types:

- Ectoparasites e.g. lice, ticks and mites

- Endoparasites e.g. worms in alimentary tract and lungs and protozoan parasites in blood. (15)

Metabolic: Bloat, Ketosis (Acetonaemia), Milk Fever, poisoning (16)

Anomalous: Dystokia, prolapsed uterus/vagina, retained placenta

Traumatic: Various types of external and internal injuries (some of which may become infected with microorganisms or invaded by maggots subsequently)

There are a large number of diseases and conditions that can affect dairy cattle/buffalo.  Their incidence and economic importance vary from country to country.  Some of the more important ones are discussed below (in alphabetical order).
 

Some come from micro-organisms:
- bacteria
- virus.
(See H.10.2-H.10.5)
 

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease of all warm blooded animals including man.  It is caused by a large bacillus called Bacillus anthracis, which is capable of forming spores on exposure to air.  The spores can survive for many years in the soil.

The disease is found worldwide, but is more common in tropical countries.

The bacteria can enter the body through a wound or may be inhaled or ingested.

In many cases, an infected cow/buffalo is found dead suddenly, usually with a bloody discharge from the nose and anus, but without any previous signs of illness.

In other cases, the characteristic features are sudden onset, high fever, difficult breathing, staggering gait, extreme weakness and rapid death.

If an animal dies suddenly without any previous signs of disease (or after showing signs indicated above), anthrax should be suspected.  As anthrax is a notifiable disease in many countries, such deaths or suspected cases should be reported to the government veterinarian.

No post mortem examination should be attempted.  However, a blood smear should be taken from the ear or tail, as soon as possible after death.  All precautions should be taken to prevent contamination of the surroundings.  Persons handling this type of animal should wash themselves thoroughly thereafter and boil clothing for about 20 minutes before re-use.

Other precautionary measures to be taken are as follows:

- Carcasses of animals which have died or are suspected to have died of anthrax should be buried at least 1.8 m deep, covered with quick lime and the area fenced off.

- All infected material, soil and bedding etc should be burnt.

- All susceptible animals should be kept away from infected areas and vaccinated.  Vaccination should be repeated annually at least for three years after the last case.

This is an acute infectious disease of cattle, sheep and pigs, caused by a bacillus called Clostridium chauvoei.  The bacteria are found in the soil and in the gut of normal animals, and may invade the body through a break in the skin or mucous membrane.  They produce spores which are very resistant to heat and survive a long time in the soil.

The disease is widespread in tropical countries and affects mostly the young adult cattle of the age group 8-18 months old.

The affected animal is first noticed to be lame.  This may be associated with a swelling over the upper part of the leg.  The swelling spreads rapidly and crackles on touch, due to accumulation of gas under the skin.  Other features are similar to anthrax.

Sometimes an animal may be found dead suddenly, without showing any previous signs.

If black-quarter is suspected, a blood smear from the swelling should be sent immediately for examination, which will be sufficient to differentiate it from anthrax.

In areas where the disease is reported, cattle between 6 months and 3 years of age should be vaccinated annually.

The carcasses of infected or suspected animals should be dealt with as in anthrax.
 

27 Black-Quarter is a bacterial disease which attacks cattle, sheep and pigs.

This is a condition in which the rumen gets distended with gas that accumulates in it.  Signs that can be observed include the swelling of the left side of the body between last rib and hip bone, uneasiness shown by stamping of the feet, frequent passing of small quantities of urine and dung, difficult, rapid breathing and slight protrusion of the tongue.

The animal may collapse and die suddenly if relief is not provided.

A handful (about 100 gm) of common laundry detergent powder put into the mouth or about 500 ml of a mineral oil e.g. peanut oil, linseed oil given as a drench, if the animal can swallow, may bring about relief.  Sometimes it may become necessary to introduce a stomach tube or in most severe cases, even to introduce a trocar into the rumen through the left paralumbar fossa, which is best done by a vet.  In an extreme situation, a farmer may use a sharp, pointed knife to pierce the rumen to prevent death.

Once bloat has been relieved, the following practices are adopted to prevent its recurrence: walking the animal; standing the animal with the forequarters elevated; and applying a stick across the mouth to allow for the escape of excess gas.
 

32 In bloat, gas makes the rumen expand.
 

Put a handful of laundry detergent powder into the animal's mouth or give 500 ml of mineral oil (e.g. peanut or linseed oil) or 100 ml of turpentine to an adult animal as a drench.

This refers to a situation in which the cow lies down and does not get up.  When she is urged to get up, she may make a feeble attempt but is unable or too depressed to try.

The situation may be a result of one or more of several  conditions such as acetonaemia, milk fever, hypomagnesaemia, infectious and debilitating disease, severe intoxication or even an injury.  The first three conditions are mostly observed in high milk producers.

Such a situation necessarily requires treatment by a vet. Certain steps that need to be taken before the arrival of the vet are:

- Tie the animal loosely with a rope which can be cut off easily if there is a danger of the cow being strangled from struggling.

- Tie the two hind legs together above the fetlock region, leaving a space of about 18 inches between them to prevent the cow spreading her legs apart and damaging her hips.

- Make the cow comfortable by providing dry bedding and if she is on a cement floor sprinkle some sawdust, sand or grit around the hind feet, to make it easier for her to stand without slipping.

A drench of treacle mixed with glucose may be helpful in the case of acetonaemia and can do no harm in other conditions, provided the animal can swallow.

It would be a good practice to collect all possible information such as the following and make it available to the vet on his arrival.

General health of the herd, current production, reproduction status, nutrition, previous sickness and treatment, vaccinations, any peculiarities noticed for the last few days and after the cow went down should also be reported.
 

39 "Downer" Cow may result from:
- some conditions which often go along with high milk production
- diseases which weaken animals
- poisoning
- injury.
 

A chronic infectious disease of cattle and other ruminants caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium johneii.  Cattle, sheep and goats are most commonly affected, but the disease is also reported in buffalo.

Infected animals lose condition and show reduced milk yield.  A bubbly diarrhoea with a characteristic smell sets in.  Diagnosis is difficult.  The disease may be confirmed by laboratory examination of faecal specimens or pieces of affected gut wall.

There is no treatment.  The best method of control is to slaughter infected animals and their calves.

Other control measures include:

- Strict maintenance of hygiene and proper disposal of infected faeces and bedding.

- Separate calves from adults in infected herds.

- Keep infected pastures free from all ruminants for at least one year, preferably plant the pastures to other crops.
 

Keep calves separate and animals away from infected areas for one year.
 

Poisoning of cattle and buffalo can occur in many ways.  They may graze on poisonous plants such as Bracken Fern or on roughage on which weedicides have been sprayed; they may drink kerosene oil or excessive amounts of salt solution by accident; they may be sprayed with or dipped in an insecticide solution with too high a concentration of insecticide; they may be given straw with too high a concentration of urea.

The first-aid measures depend on the cause of the poisoning.  A diagnosis has to be made as to whether the symptoms are due to poisoning or any other disease, and if it is poisoning, as to the cause of poisoning.

In most cases of poisoning by vegetable poisons taken by mouth, absorption can be hindered by giving strong (boiled) black tea or coffee.  However, the animal may need further vet attention.

Urea poisoning can be suspected if there is a history of urea feeding (especially straw treated with urea just prior to feeding) and symptoms appear within a few hours.  The symptoms are frothing at the mouth, staggering, trembling, gasping and laboured breathing and convulsions in severe cases.  Death may result within a few hours after the first symptoms.

A litre of vinegar is a good antidote for urea poisoning, if given when first symptoms appear and the animal is able to swallow.
 

This normally happens at calving.  A huge red mass, dotted with large lumps "the cotyledons",  is seen protruding out of the vulva after calving.  This really is an alarming sight but can be corrected effectively in most cases.  However, if extensive bruising and or tearing of the vagina has been caused, e.g.  when attempting to pull the calf out, complications can result.

Seek vet intervention immediately.

Until the arrival of the vet, the following first aid measures should be adopted.

- Prevent injury to the prolapsed uterus by birds e.g. crows and dogs or by other cows trampling it.

- Remove dung and urine etc. on and around the prolapse and, if possible, wrap the clean prolapse in a clean blanket or gunny bag.
 

55 At calving, you may see a large red mass with lumps which has come out from the vulva.
Call your vet immediately.

This is a condition that may affect cattle/buffalo towards the latter part of pregnancy.  A part of the vagina protrudes from the vulva.  In the first stages, the prolapse may be visible only when the animal is lying down, disappearing when it is in the standing position.  Injury  can be caused by the prolapsed vagina being dragged along the floor or by birds such as crows pecking at it.  This must be prevented.

Some relief can be provided by tying the animal so that the hind quarters are at a higher elevation, e.g. the other way round in a normal standing.  Seek vet advice if the prolapse persists.
 

A highly infectious disease of cattle and buffalo and other cloven hooved animals, caused by a virus.  The disease usually causes heavy mortality among affected animals.  Presently it is found mainly in tropical areas.

Main symptoms include high temperature, loss of appetite, discharge from eyes and nose, coughing, diarrhoea, red patches in nostrils and mouth developing into shallow ulcers, loss of condition and death or recovery within 6-12 days.  The recovered  animals remain a source of infection to susceptible animals.

Post mortem examination shows an emaciated carcass, with the mouth, pharynx and vagina greatly inflamed and having rough areas covered by a membrane or even ulcers.  The liver and spleen may be swollen and filled with blood.  Congested areas and haemorrhages may be found in the intestinal and rectal walls.

Vaccination of susceptible animals over 6 months of age and slaughter of infected animals are carried out as preventive and control measures.  There is no effective treatment.
 

- discharge from eyes and nose

- red patches in nostrils and mouth, becoming ulcers
- coughing.
 

There are two important diseases of domestic animals in more tropical and sub-tropical areas transmitted mainly by ticks of the Boophilus species.  Temperate breeds of cattle are particularly susceptible to these diseases.  Control is related to the control of ticks.

Bovine Babesiosis (Redwater Disease, Piroplasmosis, Tick Fever) (67-69)

This is caused by the protozoan parasites Babesia bigemona and Babesia bovis.

Symptoms are characterised by a sudden high temperature of 41 C (106 F) or higher.  The animal stops eating and is dull with a staring coat.  The mucous membranes become  anaemic and may turn yellow later.  The urine may turn red.  If untreated, the animal becomes weak and may die within 2-3 days or the disease may become chronic with colic, diarrhoea and eventual death.

Diagnosis is confirmed by blood smears which show Babesia organisms.

The disease can be effectively treated, if diagnosed early.
 

Bovine Babesiosis (Redwater Disease, Piroplasmosis, Tick Fever)
67 This is a parasitic disease which often attacks temperate breeds of cattle and may kill them in 2-3 days.
 

This is caused by a rickettsial parasite found in the red blood cells and transmitted by ticks.  There are two forms of the disease; the more severe form is caused by Anaplasma marginale and the less severe form by Anaplasma centrale.

The body temperature rises to about 40 C but not as high as in babesiosis.  Other symptoms are also less severe but the animals become weak and finally die, if untreated.  The urine may become darkish yellow but not red as in babesiosis.

Diagnosis is confirmed by blood smears which show the presence of the parasite in the blood cells.  Concurrent infection with babesia may confuse the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment gives good results.  However, relapses are sometimes found, necessitating further treatment.
 

70 This is a parasitic disease
which can cause death if
untreated.
 

This is a chronic, infectious disease affecting all species of animals including man.  It is present in most countries and is caused by a group of pathogenic mycobacteria.  Cattle and buffalo are affected by the bovine type of tubercle bacilli.

Tuberculosis is economically of greatest importance in cattle, buffalo, pigs and camels.

Symptoms vary according to where the tuberculosis organism is located in the animal and the route through which infection took place.

- If infected by inhalation, the disease is most common in lungs; the animal develops a cough, gradually becomes thinner and eventually dies.

- If infected by mouth, the main lesions may be in the throat, intestines and udder.

However, the disease is often diagnosed only at meat inspection after slaughter, when tubercles of varying sizes and enlarged lymph nodes are found.

The diagnosis is confirmed by the laboratory examination of a piece of infected tissue.

In the live animal, the tuberculin test is used for diagnosis.  This test is best performed by a vet.

Treatment of infected animals should not be attempted.  Effective means of control are to test the herds regularly every 6-12 months and to remove all reactors immediately for slaughter.  In this way, a healthy herd can be built up from an infected herd.
 

73 Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease which attacks all animals and man.
It is very important in cattle, buffalo, pigs and camels.

- having your herd tested every 6-12 months

- slaughtering any animals with Tuberculosis.
 

A wound is a disturbance in the continuity of a tissue in the body e.g. a damage to the skin, muscle or both.  The extent of damage may vary from a simple bruise to a severe laceration or even the severing off of an organ or a part of an organ.

First aid measures involve action to encourage arrest of bleeding, cleaning of wound and keeping it clean, preventing entry of dirt etc.  A very important measure is to prevent insects such as flies laying their eggs on a wound because the fly larvae normally penetrate into the tissues causing extensive damage and recovery may be considerably delayed even when treated.

Small cuts or bruises  (78)

There will be no bleeding or slight bleeding which stops automatically.

Clean the wound of any dirt immediately, using an antiseptic solution.  Dress with an antiseptic/fly repellent at least once a day or as directed by the vet or indicated in the literature.  Margosa oil has been used extensively in some countries because of its dual action as an antiseptic and a fly repellent.  There are several proprietary preparations providing similar action and some others which can be used to destroy fly larvae (maggots).

77 Wounds need quick action to:
- stop bleeding
- clean the wounds and prevent infection
- prevent insects e.g. flies laying eggs as the larvae cause more damage.

When there are more extensive injuries there can be profuse bleeding.  In this situation, the following procedure can be adopted, until vet arrives.

Apply direct pressure on the wound with fingers or palm while someone else brings a clean pillowslip, small towel or a piece of sheet which can be used as a pressure pad.  Keep the pad over the wound and hold it firmly for about 15 minutes.  It may even be bandaged to keep in place.

 If these measures fail to stop bleeding, a tourniquet may be applied, using a piece of rubber tubing or a soft rope.  It is not very easy to determine whether an artery or a vein has been damaged.  A tourniquet may therefore be applied above the wound to prevent any blood flowing from the heart towards the wound.  If the bleeding increases, it should be loosened and applied on the other side of the wound.  A tourniquet should never be kept on for more than 20 minutes.  Its release should be gradual to prevent a sudden rush of blood towards the wound.  The tourniquet may be applied again for a similar period after a few minutes, if the bleeding continues.

An attempt to clean and treat such a wound may be made only by an experienced person, preferably a vet.  In addition to dressing the wound, application of sutures and administration of antibiotics etc. may be necessary.

 

Definition of disease

Change or disturbance in the body

(4-6)

Disease as a cost

1 Lower production and reproduction	(7,11,12)
2 Passed on to other animals and people	(9)
3 Treatment	(10)
4 Death	(11)

Main types of disease

1 Micro-organisms	(14)
2 Parasites	(15)
3 Body and feed problems	(16)

More important diseases

1 Anthrax	(17-26)
2 Black-Quarter	(27-31)
3 Bloat	(32-38)
4 Brucellosis	(H.10.2)
5 "Downer" Cow	(39-45)
6 Foot and Mouth Disease	(H.10.3)
7 Haemorrhagic Septicaemia	(H.10.4)
8 Johne's Disease	(46-49)
9 Mastitis	(H.10.5)
10 Parasites	(H.10.6)
11 Poisoning	(50-54)
12 Prolapse of the uterus	(55-57)
13 Prolapse of the vagina	(58-61)
14 Rinderpest	(62-66)
15 Tick-borne Diseases
- Bovine Babesiosis	(67-69)
- Anaplasmosis	(70-72)
16 Tuberculosis	(73-76)
17 Wounds	(77-84)